Jorge González Reports Incident of Discrimination During Train Journey
Entertainer and choreographer Jorge González has shared an account of experiencing discriminatory behavior during a train trip in Germany. According to his management, the incident occurred two years ago while he was traveling with his niece on an Intercity Express (ICE) service between Hamburg and Berlin.
During the journey, González encountered a passenger occupying a seat that he had reserved in advance. When asked to vacate the seat, the individual refused to comply and directed a discriminatory remark toward González's niece, questioning her right to be there. González's niece responded by clarifying her German origins, highlighting the inappropriateness of the comment.
González, who was born in Cuba and is a public figure in Germany, stated through his management that he felt sympathy for the individual, perceiving him as embittered and disconnected from society. However, he emphasized his appreciation for the decisive intervention of fellow passengers and the train attendant. Several passengers, particularly women, addressed the individual and insisted on respectful conduct. The train attendant supported the situation by requesting the passenger to vacate the reserved seat and warned that police would be contacted at the next stop if necessary. González described the support he received as an expression of solidarity and civil courage among the travelers present.
Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company, responded to media inquiries by asserting that there is zero tolerance for discrimination on their trains, whether directed at customers or employees. The company stated that such incidents are not acceptable in any public setting. Deutsche Bahn was not previously aware of the specific incident but expressed concern over the reported behavior.
González's management indicated that he chose not to file an official complaint regarding the incident at the time. According to his account, public hostility based on his background or identity is rare, but he has noticed an increase in similar incidents within his social circle. He also mentioned that, while he occasionally receives abusive or threatening messages on social media, he typically responds by reporting the offending accounts and does not engage further. Members of his team and friends have encouraged him to take additional precautions, but González has stated that he does not wish to alter his conduct or hide because of such negative experiences.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding discrimination and the importance of public intervention in upholding respectful conduct in shared spaces. It also draws attention to the broader issue of intolerance in society, as well as the significance of solidarity and civil responsibility demonstrated by bystanders and service staff during such occurrences.